Franchise of the Year 2018 Jennifer and Matt Hundley of North Bay, CA

For Immediate Release:

North Bay Small Business Receives Two Top National Awards
Just Between Friends of North Bay Named "Franchise of the Year"
Consignment Event also receives "Community Impact Award" for Helping Fire Victims

Santa Rosa, Calif. - A small business from the North Bay is receiving national recognition as Franchise of the Year for Just Between Friends Franchise System, Inc. (JBF). Local couple, Jennifer and Matt Hundley, received the honor at the company's national conference in January in San Diego, CA.

For more than eight years, the Hundleys have helped thousands of families throughout the North Bay area save money and earn money on items for their children. This year they have been recognized at the National level for their outstanding efforts and service.

The independent judges who chose the North Bay franchisee said key deciding factors were their leadership skills and the ability to build strong business partnerships. They also cited their ability to respond to changes in the marketplace and work with their team members, consignors and shoppers to improve their events. "This franchisee understands the value of teamwork and leadership," said the judges. These changes resulted in strong numbers for their event in just one year, including 13% growth in consignors and 7% growth in sales.

In addition, the judges were impressed with their commitment to their community. They give back through charitable donations to Active 20-30, a charity that inspires millions of diverse 20-39-year-olds to "Make a Difference," through fundraising and volunteering.

"I am thrilled that the judges chose Just Between Friends of North Bay. This is such a well-deserved award. The Hundleys' ability to adjust to changes in the marketplace has allowed them to continue to grow in the competitive resale market. They are a leader in our franchise system. Their generosity to their community, especially during the wildfires in Northern California, is a testament to their giving spirit and the mission of JBF to give back," said Shannon Wilburn, CEO and Co-founder of Just Between Friends Franchise Systems, Inc.

A separate team of independent judges also awarded Jennifer and Matt Hundley with the Community Impact Award for serving their community during the deadly wildfires that began October 8, 2017 in Sonoma and Napa Counties. Using the resources through their business, The Hundleys and Just Between Friends North Bay opened their storage facility full of donations and partnered with their charity, Active 20-30, to help victims. They spread the word that they had free items to help families and a team of volunteers worked to assess and meet the needs of hundreds of families victimized by the fire. In many cases, they hand delivered items. They continued this process through the end of 2017.

In addition to winning Franchise of the Year and the Community Impact Award, The Hundleys were also awarded Ruby Top Achiever Status.

"We owe both awards to our amazing team of selfless community members who help us pull off these large scale biannual events! Many of these same angels sprang into action when the wildfires broke out. Within hours they were at our storage facility sorting donations and putting together a week's worth of clothing and supplies for babies and children. They even hand delivered to families that were unable to reach us," said Jennifer Hundley.

Congratulations to Top Achievers and this year’s Franchisees of the Year AND Community Impact Award Winners, Jennifer and Matt Hundley of North Bay, California!

The Hundleys' serve their community through their twice-a-year sales event in North Bay, CA.

Matt and Jen receive their awards from
JBF CEO, Shannon Wilburn at their
2018 National Conference in San Diego.

The Hundleys came to the aid of many during the fires that plagued California. They gave away clothing, gear and equipment to many in need, showing their true servants' hearts!